Information guide to the Prep School by Royal High School Bath

Information A guide to the Nursery and Prep 2022-23

I joined the school in September 2019 having successfully led Sidcot Independent Junior School for the previous 8 years. At Sidcot I developed

Welcome to Cranwell House

It is my privilege to lead such an inspirational school which encourages girls to explore and develop in a safe, secure and exciting environment. We’re so lucky to have the award-winning Cranwell House and its eleven acres as the setting for our thriving school. It’s a real ‘hidden treasure’ in Bath. Here, we will help ensure our girls have the space to grow and the freedom to explore. I truly believe that spending time outside as well as indoors is a brilliant way to inspire young minds and ensures there’s never a dull moment!

Many families join us in Nursery and progress through to Year 6 and beyond, but as a growing school, others join us at different stages of their educational journey. The Royal High Prep School staff will ensure a positive transition for every member of the family, and answer any questions you may have. Our school is built on the principle that every girl is known to all, their voices heard and their opinions valued. We achieve this by building excellent relationships with the girls and having specialist teachers from Nursery to Year 6, along with ‘book friends’ for younger classes, Year 6 prefects and clubs that allow girls to mix across age ranges. Everyone knows everyone else and this leads to a warm family feel. We’re dedicated to helping each girl develop into a happy, well-rounded and responsible individual who aims higher than she ever thought possible. We encourage risk-taking and learning from mistakes – resilient girls will thrive as they move through life.

a skills and values based curriculum and implemented many exciting new initiatives, such as an extensive outdoor learning programme and a well-being agenda that equips children with emotional literacy. My approach to education is very much about the development of the whole child - a holistic approach which is as much about nurturing the spirit as it is about excellent academic outcomes.

Having attended an all-girls educational setting from the age of 11 to 18, I appreciate the benefits of single sex education and I am fully committed to empowering girls to go out into the world as welleducated young women with a great moral compass and the drive, vision and determination to make a difference. Girls should never see gender as a limiting factor to achieving their goals.

The confidence I gained at school helped me to go on to study Music and Education at Homerton College, in the University of Cambridge, where I gained a Bachelor of Education honours degree in 1997. My passion for music extends into my life outside school and I play clarinet and saxophone in a concert band and also saxophone in a Big Band Jazz and Swing ensemble. It is great fun and I really enjoy the camaraderie of shared music making. I also love cooking, spending time with my family and taking my Labrador for long walks in the beautiful countryside. I look forward to getting to know you and your daughters in the coming months.

Mrs Claire Lilley BEd. (Hons, Cantab) Head of the Prep School

School policies Whole School A List of AdmissionAimsofStudents to RHS* British Values SMSC Development Complaints Procedure* Crisis Management Data Protection, Record Keeping GDST Dignity at Work Equal Opportunities – Students and LinksApplicants*between Prep Senior 6th Form Staff PDP Staff Recruitment and Selection Whistle Blowing GDST H&S Fire Evacuation Procedures GDST Health and Safety* GDST Risk Assessment Health and Safety Prep ProtocolScienceforBody Fluid Spillages Statement of Safety Organisation Students on Educational Visits* ICT SocialMobileE-SafetyComputingDevices*Media Medical & Emergencies PS Qualified First Aiders Admin of Medicine Protocol* Calling Emergency Services Emergency Procedure for Flu Pandemic First SelfHealthAid*ProblemsHarmandMental Health Pastoral & Discipline Drugs,BehaviourAttendancePolicy*Alcoholand Tobacco Exclusions – Fixed, Permanent GDST* EYFS Behaviour Policy* FundraisingFood Policy House InductionSystemofNew Pupil Pastoral Structure Physical Activity Theft Aim: To ensure that parents have access to the necessary documentation to allow them to fully understand the policies and practices used throughout the Prep School. The Royal High Prep School Policy Documents are available to all parents and carers (updated annually). *The policy is available on the school website, via this QR code, but please contact the school office for a hard copy. 4

Safeguarding SupervisionStaffSecurityPutProceduresNon-collectionMissingChildBereavementAnti-Bullying*Protection*ChildPolicyproceduresGDST*Young1st*workingwithEarlyYearsincbeforeandafter school Use of Reasonable Force and Restraint Visitors and ‘Unchecked’ Staff Teaching & Learning Active Play Gifted,EYFSEAL*Curriculum*CheatingAssessmentEYFSPolicyTalentedand Highly Motivated* InternationalHomework Policy MarkingLanguageand Feedback Reporting to Parents SEND 5

Sunday 25 September Boarders Return at 5.30pm

Friday 1 September All Y17-11 Boarders Arrive

Monday 5 September Autumn Term Begins for Prep, Y7, 10, 12 & 13 and New Y8 & Y9

Sunday 27 November Boarders Return at 5.30pm

Friday 27 January Exeat begins at 5.30pm

Friday 23 September Exeat begins at 5.30pm

Wednesday 29 March Spring Term Ends (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

Sunday 8 January Boarders Return

Sunday 29 January Boarders Return at 5.30pm

Term Dates 6 Autumn Term 2022 Spring Term 2023

Friday 21 October Half Term Begins (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

Sunday 6 November Boarders Return

Monday 9 January Spring Term Begins for All Students

Wednesday 14 December Autumn Term Ends for Senior School at 3.50pm

Tuesday 6 September Autumn Term Begins for All Students

Sunday 4 September All Y12-13 Boarders Arrive

Sunday 19 February Boarders Return Monday 20 February Term Resumes

Friday 10 February Half Term Begins (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

Friday 16 September School for Prep and Senior Ends at 12.30pm

Monday 7 November Term Resumes

Friday 25 November Exeat begins at 5.30pm

Thursday 15 December Catch-up sessions for Senior School students and Boarders’ Academic Morning Autumn Term Ends for Prep

Sunday 16 April Boarders Return

Tuesday 6 June Term Resumes

Sunday 4 June Y11 and Y13 public exam students only to return after 5pm

Summer Term 2023 Dates of Key Whole School Events 2022-2023

Monday 17 April Summer Term Begins for All Students

Friday 26 May Half Term Begins (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

Monday 5 June Staff Inset Day (Prep & Seniors) Y7-10 and Y12 Boarders to return after 5pm

Friday 7 July Summer Term Ends (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

There are many performances, sports fixtures and events where we celebrate your daughter’s successes and achievements during the year and details of these will be sent home as each event approaches.

Monday 1 May Bank BoardersHolidayReturn at 5.30pm

Friday 28 April Bank Holiday Exeat begins (3.30pm Prep, 3.50pm Senior)

Accessing Cranwell House

Accessing Cranwell House safely is a high priority for us. By following some simple guidelines we can ensure the safety of our girls and respect the wildlife living on site. Parents are encouraged to walk to school or car share where possible. We are happy to help parents coordinate lift shares among themselves. If you are interested in arranging something and need any assistance, please contact the school office. Please note the external pedestrian gate and school door codes are changed regularly, the codes will be sent by email to all families. Parents are not given the code for the vehicle gates. Do not share the code with anyone not part of our school community.

On foot The Pedestrian Gate is located on the upper driveway; parents are provided with a code for this gate and are able to access the school site outside key entry and exit times. Please ensure you close the gate on arrival/ Firstdeparture.thingin the morning the girls make their way to the courtyard or Hope Hall if the weather is wet. They can be picked up from the same locations in the afternoons. Parents of girls in Year 5 or 6 who wish them to walk home must send a letter to school stating this. By car to drop off or pick up The gates at the bottom of the lower driveway will be opened at 8.00 am and closed at 8.40 am. A turning circle is in operation where parents can drop off at the front of Cranwell House. Only parents of girls in the Nursery may park in front of Cranwell House to take their daughter into the Nursery. The turning circle is staffed so that parents can remain in their cars while girls are dropped off. Parents of girls in other year groups should park in the car park (see below) if they wish to come into school at the beginning or end of the day. In the afternoon if your daughter is being collected by car she will wait at the front of Cranwell House. Please do not arrive too early as you will find it harder to get away swiftly.

• Make the safety of girls, staff and residents a priority;

Girls are supervised at both sites while waiting for buses, or waiting for onward services in the afternoons.

• Turn off car engines when stationary/ waiting on the school site. By car to park The gates on the upper driveway are staffed from 8.15–8.40am and parents arriving by car may access the upper car park via these gates if they would like to park on site and walk their daughter/s in to school. Because the flow of traffic is coming into the school grounds at this time of day, we ask that parents using the facility do not drive out using the upper drive until after 8.40am. We ask that you respect the fact that it is also a pedestrian exit and leave school with care after 3.40pm. Parents who need to drive onto the school site after 8.40 am will need to ring at either gate to gain access.

• Not, under any circumstance, park or turn in private driveways;

To ensure the safety of pupils, staff and our neighbours and also to foster a spirit of courtesy, care and consideration within the whole community, drivers must:

• Treat staff directing and managing traffic with respect at all times;

• Not abandon cars on the front drive and walk to Cranwell House to collect their daughter;

• Respect residents’ privacy and personal space at all times;

• Be considerate of everyone living and working within the Cranwell House vicinity;

To see the full range of routes and stops available, please have a look at the online booking system, which can be accessed at rhsbath.vectare.co.uk .

By minibus The Royal High School offers a wide range of bus routes to help with transport to both the Senior School and Prep School sites.

Vectare, a specialist school management company, manages the service on behalf of the Oneschool.ofthemost popular bus services is the shuttle between the Prep School and the Senior School, which is very useful for families with children at both sites, or who live close to the Senior School site. In the mornings, this service leaves the Senior School at approximately 8.20am, arriving at the Prep School at approximately 8.30am. In the afternoons, it leaves the Prep School at approximately 4.00pm, arriving at the Senior School at approximately 4.15pm.

• Turn off any loud music in cars during dropping off and picking up times;

As existing parents are aware, road safety is of paramount importance at the Royal High Prep School. Therefore, in order to ensure the safety of all girls, it is imperative that all parents adopt a responsible attitude to road safety in the vicinity of the school. Following consultation with parents throughout the Prep School, the following code of practice has been drawn up.

• Observe the 5mph speed limit into and on the school driveways;

On arrival at school, the girls should make their way to the courtyard where they will be supervised from 8.00 am. When the weather is wet or very cold the girls will be supervised in Hope Hall. The register is called at 8.30am for all classes and pupils arriving after this will be recorded as late.

Our school day

8.00am

12.30pm - 1.00pm Story / song time

1.00pm - 1.30pm Outdoor play

12 noon - 12.30pm Lunch

3.45pm - 4.00pm Story / song / class discussions

3.00pm Snack

4.30pm Sandwich tea 6.00pm End of After School Care Nursery

1.30pm - 3.00pm Afternoon activities including key worker / focus groups

8.50am - 12noon Morning activities / key worker times / free choice

3.15pm - 3.45pm Outdoor / Free play

Morning session starts – all girls to be in by 8.50am

4.05pm End of Nursery school day – start of After School Care and free choice activities

Any

service.

Reception

Lunch

9.50am - 10.10am (except Fridays)

1.30pm - 2.30pm Lesson

8.50am - 9.50am Lesson 1

Break

Registration

arrives

1.20pm - 1.30pm

10.10am - 10.30am

10.30am - 11.30am Lesson 2

8.30am - 8.50am with Form Teacher

5 3.30pm

12.30pm - 1.20pm (12 noon for Reception, 12.10pm start for Y1, 12.15pm start for Y2)

Assembly

11.30am - 12.30pm Lesson

begins 6.00pm

Registration

day 4.05pm

supervisors

2.30pm - 3.30pm Lesson End of the After School Care End of After School Care - Year 6 girl who is not collected by 4.05pm will remain with the After School Care until her parent or carer and a charge will be incurred for this

• Homework is a useful home / school link so do please keep an eye on what is brought home. If you need to give your daughter some help, please make a note in the homework diary or pop in and see your daughter’s teacher so extra support can be given in school.

Celebration and Class Assemblies

Signing in and out

Home / School links

• All girls carry a homework diary. In Reception and Key Stage 1 this is a home school link book and will be used by staff to record reading tasks, home activities and any messages from the form teacher. In the Junior classes the pupils record their homework task along with any reminders of school events. Form teachers in Key Stage 2 will sign this weekly and parents are asked to do so as well.

The home/school link is a very important one. Parents often ask what they can do to support their daughters at school. These are some very simple but practical ways.

Within school we are always very conscious of the need to ensure the girls’ safety. There are often times, such as during the Mid Somerset Festival or medical appointments, when girls leave school for a time, accompanied by their parents. Registers are taken both in the morning and afternoon. In order to ensure that all staff are fully aware of the girls’ whereabouts, parents must sign the book in the school reception area in Cranwell House with the time of departure and return where Ifappropriate.yourdaughter misses registration and goes straight to a lesson, the book in the school office has to be signed to give a record in case of fire. No girls should be taken from school without using the correct procedure. Absence from School

• To get a good start to the day, please ensure your daughter arrives at school between 8.00 and 8.30am. An electronic register is taken daily at 8.30am.

Parents are welcome to join us to celebrate the girls’ achievements on Friday mornings at 8.50am. Class assemblies are usually on a Friday at this time too.

If your daughter is absent from school for any reason, it is essential that you inform the school by 9am at the latest using telephone or email. Any unexplained absences from school will be followed up by Ms Rejiester. If requesting an absence in advance, please make this request in writing to the Head of the Prep School.

• Communicating – please let us know if you have any concerns or queries. If your daughter is upset about something at home or school, please tell us as soon as possible so we can give her any relevant extra support and care. You can do this in person, or via a note in her homework diary/phone / email message to Prep School office.

• Ensure your daughter has the correct uniform / PE kit – all clearly labelled. Do remember to check that names written in ink or on shoes have not worn off. Nearly new kit must be labelled with the current owner’s name.

• The termly calendar is issued to all families with key dates.

Keeping you fully informed and updated about all aspects of school life is very important to us and we send out information regularly to all parents.

Phone numbers

The main number for the Prep School office is 01225 422931. The Prep School office is staffed: 8.00am – 4.00pm Monday – Friday Messages may be left on this line and are checked throughout the day. If you experience any problems getting through on that number, you may also contact the Senior School on 01225 313877. Again, messages are checked routinely.

The After School Care mobile number is 07873 338381 After 6.00pm any girls still to be collected are Youcontacted.canalsoemail non-urgent messages to: d.rejiester@rhsb.gdst.net or royalhigh@ Emailingrhsb.gdst.netstaff

All staff can be contacted via their school email address if you have a question or query. The usual format is firstinitial. surname@rhsb.gdst.net. As teachers are often teaching during the day, this should be only used for non-urgent messages; staff will endeavour to respond within 24 hours where possible. Any messages that need a same-day response should please go via the school office (d.rejiester@rhsb. gdst.net).

School / CommunicationParent

147 School Post We use this to send news and alerts to keep parents updated at all times. It may be used on other occasions, too, for example in the case of a late return to school of a school trip or cancellation of a sports fixture or inclement weather. It is managed by Ms ItRejiester.wouldbe helpful if parents could keep the school informed of any changes to their mobile number and email address so that the SchoolPost system can work efficiently.

Newsletters, letters

communications Newsletters

every Monday.

Firefly Firefly, the Royal High School’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), provides you with a platform where information about your daughter is available. This includes attendance data, class teacher reports and information and permission slips for school trips. and other are sent by email These contain useful information on different events, have important dates and summarise a variety of exciting activities in which the girls have been involved in that week.

We are delighted you have chosen the Royal High School and our dedicated team of staff will ensure your daughter thrives here. It is important that we all work together to successfully educate you daughter. All staff have an open door policy and will be happy to discuss any concern or query. We are all big believers in a proactive approach so do not hesitate to contact us however small your concern.

15 Staff team and who to contact Prep School members of staff are specifically responsible for the following •areas:Safeguarding (in Early Years and Prep School) • Learning Support (in Early Years and Prep School) • English • Mathematics • Computing (overseen by the team at the Senior School) • Outdoor Learning and Discovery • Performing Arts • Physical Education • Eco Warriors • School Council and charity events

• General query – Ms Rejiester (Prep School Administrator)

• Curriculum or Pastoral question – Your child’s teacher

• PE question – Mrs Lewis

The most appropriate member of staff to contact with a specific concern:

• Teaching or Pastoral concern –Appropriate Deputy Head in the first instance, or Head of Prep School

• Performing Arts questions – Mrs Millard

• Safeguarding Concern – Mrs Fernandez for EYFS or Miss Joakim for the rest of the Prep School

167 Nursery and Prep Team Head of Early (memberYearsofPLT)ReceptionandNurseryteachingteams Year 1 and 2 teachingteams Years MemberDeputyteaching3-6teamsHead(Academic)ofPLTDeputy Member(Pastoral)HeadofPLT Prep AdministratorSchool Head of SchoolPrep

Curriculum matters

We follow the Cranwell Curriculum at the Royal High Prep School. Named after our home, our curriculum has been designed to be diverse, engaging and girl-centred. It provides our girls with unique learning opportunities alongside the breadth and depth required in order to achieve outstanding outcomes. In an ever-evolving world, it is vital that an individual is able to retain, source and apply newly acquired knowledge in interesting and creative ways. Motivated, creative and confident people who can solve problems, collaborate and communicate effectively are highly sought after in all areas of life, and these are the qualities we encourage and develop. We draw on the educational philosophies of the Reggio Emilia approach, which respects and values the interests of children, and sees children and educators as cocollaborators in their quest for knowledge and meaning of the world. The National Curriculum and the goals of the Early Years Foundation Stage also inform the Cranwell Curriculum. In practice, each year group has a theme for a term. The theme selected will be broadly based on one of three disciplines: science, the humanities and the community and the environment. The initial plan is mapped out by the teacher at the beginning of the term, but the girls are involved with changing and adapting it, and so help to take responsibility for their own learning. Formal and informal assessment occurs at regular intervals, enabling the teachers to provide individualised next steps for each girl. Structure and rigour are in place, while at the same time the girls play a key part in deciding which direction their learning Wetakes.have found that our pupils are thriving with the Cranwell Curriculum, gaining knowledge and understanding every day. Across the Royal High School the skills and attitudes that help ensure every girl becomes an effective and motivated learner are celebrated, and a cycle of information gathering, analysis, reflection and development ensures that all the girls progress positively and happily. If you have any questions about the Cranwell Curriculum please contact Mr Daniel Rushworth, Deputy Head, Academic.

Theattainment.moreformal

There are various ways in which we keep you informed about how your daughter is doing in school, some formal and some informal. You are, of course, welcome to talk to your daughter’s class teacher about matters of mutual concern at any time. Sometimes it is possible to have a quick chat either before or after school but staff are always willing to schedule a meeting at a mutually convenient time. Girls from Year 2 to Year 6 will also have targets or next steps and these will occasionally be sent home or be available to view at “Celebration of Work” events. There will be two formal, written reports during the year. In the Spring Term there is an Interim Report to report on progress specifically in the core subjects of Maths and English and approaches and attitudes to learning, including setting targets for the rest of the year. Towards the end of the Summer Term there is a full written report covering all aspects of progress and

Finally, at the end of each term ReceptionYear 6 girls will bring home their theme book; inside there will be an evaluation sheet linked to our ‘Learning Habits’, including a comment to her from her class teacher. This feedback will certainly give you a feel for how well she is doing and what they need to focus on in the near future. There is also an opportunity for you to reflect on your daughter’s learning and Ofachievements.course,parents are welcome to come in to school at any time, but we feel that this comprehensive programme for formal reporting should help to ensure you feel fully informed about your daughter’s academic progress and her life in school.

Reporting on Progress

approaches to reporting include parental consultation meetings. These more formal meetings are opportunities for parents to meet with teachers and discuss specifically academic matters and to check on progress.

Positions of Responsibility Throughout the Prep School there will be opportunities for your daughter to begin to develop her leadership skills. All year groups will nominate two members of Student Council for the year and two Eco-Warriors. These girls will make help make decisions for the school as well as help drive new initiatives. In addition, each class from Year 3 upwards will have a Form Captain every term, who assists the teacher as required. In Year 6, all the girls have the opportunity to act as a school prefect. Class teachers endeavour to share these opportunities wherever possible.

• To provide competitive experiences for all abilities in order to build character and help embed values such as fairness and respect.

• To be physically active for sustained periods of time.

Aims

• To have fun whilst learning and participating in different sporting events within school and sharing experiences along with other Bath schools.

Physical education

• To provide opportunities to become physically confident in a wide range of fundamental movements, fitness and sports.

Physical Education at the Royal High School focuses on developing a broad range of skills both as an individual and as a team member. Due to the high number of activities and events involved, PE is the curriculum area that is the curriculum area that often raises the most questions from parents. We hope the information below will help you have a greater understanding of how we deliver this aspect of our actionpacked curriculum.

• To provide a high quality PE programme that supports and develops the pupils’ well-being, boosting self-esteem and good all round physical health.

• To develop competence to help girls excel in a broad range of physical activity.

Year 3 and 4 apply the skills they have built into competitive games against other Bath schools; these take place during their games afternoon each week. They also enjoy an hour long PE lesson per week consisting of either hockey, netball, cricket or swimming. In addition, both years enjoy 10 hours of intensive swimming lessons.

Year 5 and 6 enjoy a weekly one hour PE lesson which focuses on gymnastics, fitness, games and athletics. They have another hour focussing on the sports of cricket, hockey and netball with an introduction to basic tennis skills. They complete their week of sport with a games afternoon where they participate in competitive sports against other Bath schools. In addition, they enjoy 10 hours of intensive swimming lessons.

progressive programme of learning from Nursery to Year 6 and beyond to Year 13. We introduce movement, carrying, sending and receiving skills and develop competence in formal games of hockey, netball and cricket. Alongside this we introduce skills in the individual sports of cross country, athletics and swimming.

Nursery learn basic fitness skills related to the core activites of sending, receiving, climbing, running, jumping and throwing which are continued into Reception. The girls also develop basic skills in hockey, football, rugby, cricket and gymnastics. In addition they take part in athletics and Reception have 10 hours of swimming lessons throughout the year.

Years 1 and 2 continue to build on the skills taught in Reception, looking at applying skills to game-related activities. They are introduced to competitive team games and learn the importance of good sportsmanship. During the year they participate in two weeks of intensive swimming lessons.

Pupils will develop fundamental movement skills, become increasingly competent and confident and access a broad range of opportunities to extend their agility, balance and coordination, individually and with others. They will be able to engage in competitive (both against self and against others) and co-operative physical activities, in a range of increasingly challenging Wesituations.teacha

• When selecting clubs for Monday and Wednesday evenings remember fixtures can go till later.

• A sports letter for Years 3-6 asking permission to participate in fixtures will be sent out to all parents at the start of the year. All details of the term’s fixtures including timings, venue, opposition and collection times will be posted onto our fixture platform SOCS. All information regarding fixtures and accessing SOCS will be sent to parents at the start of the year. Parents are welcome to watch and support at fixtures. Parents are also welcome to take their daughters home after a fixture, but please inform the school via email, in advance, if you intend to do this. If a fixture is cancelled or timings are adjusted a message will be sent to all parents via email.In line with health and safety guidelines it is important that earrings and watches (including Fitbits) should not be worn for sport. If your daughter cannot take her earrings out by herself then please make sure that you take them out at home prior to school. If necessary please provide tape to protect the ears.

• If your daughter is recovering from an injury or illness and is well enough to be in school, it is an expectation that she should participate in sport. If she cannot then please provide a letter explaining the length of recovery time needed. Girls unable to participate will assist with the lesson or fixture, so appropriate warm clothing is required. If she is not well enough to do this then she should recover at home until well enough to return to school.

In addition, we encourage girls to join out of school clubs and to share their experiences when back in school. How can you help

• Your daughter needs full PE kit (see uniform list).

• All Years 3-6 girls must wear a gum guard for hockey. It is the parents’ responsibility to source one of these prior to the start of the Autumn term. If a pupil does not have a gum guard for a hockey lesson or fixture, this means that unfortunately she will not be allowed to play.

All years from 3-6 play competitive sports on their games afternoon either amongst themselves or in inter-house competitions, all-inclusive festivals, selected tournaments or inter-school fixtures with other Bath schools and beyond. This is a progressive programme developing from Year 3 through to Year 6. Year 3 will not generally start fixtures until the second half of the Autumn term. Year 3 and 4 play on Monday afternoons from 1.15pm to 3.30/4.30pm or slightly later. Year 5 and 6 play on Wednesday afternoons – they often start earlier at 12.40pm and finish around 5.00pm. There are also opportunities to represent the school at Trust events all around the country with the girls selected mainly from Year 5 and Year 6.

• For Years 3-6 this consists of tracksuit, gum shield, shin pads, sun hat and waterproof sports coat. Optional extras are astro shoes, netball trainers and hockey stick.

• Promote languages in an enjoyable way that builds confidence and is accessible for all our girls;

• Stimulate and encourage curiosity and creativity about language;

Modern Foreign Languages

• Help the girls develop their awareness of cultural similarities and differences;

There are four main contexts in which language teaching and learning take place.

• Give an extra dimension to teaching and learning across the curriculum.

• Lay the foundations for future language study in the Senior School;

• Support oracy and literacy skills;

The aims of our language teaching at the Royal High Prep School are to:

We believe that the learning of a foreign language provides a valuable educational, social and cultural experience for our girls. It helps them develop their ability to communicate effectively and extends their knowledge of how language works.

Learning a foreign language stimulates excitement, enjoyment and challenge for the girls, giving them a new perspective on the world, encouraging them to understand their own cultures and those of others. The natural links between languages and other areas of the curriculum can enrich the overall teaching and learning experience.

Languages are part of the day to day life of the school. For example, teachers use the foreign language to give simple classroom instructions (‘come in quietly’; ‘listen’; ‘look’) or to take the register. The girls are encouraged to respond using the language they have learned. Intercultural understanding Language teaching also provides a basis for teaching and learning about other cultures, and this is incorporated into many areas of the Cranwell Curriculum, including after school clubs and enrichment. Efforts are made to ensure that teaching material across the curriculum includes a ‘flavour’ of the countries where the focus language is spoken.

In line with our sister GDST schools, our model of specialist language teaching ensures that we give the girls the opportunity to become more proficient linguists in one language. French is taught across the whole school and the teaching encompasses a combination of the four essential skills of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, the girls have the opportunity to acquire a taste of other languages, learning Spanish in Years 3 and 4, Mandarin in Year 5 and Latin in Year 6. This early introduction to multiple languages helps them to make an informed choice once at secondary level.

Languages lessons Although links can be made across the curriculum, the girls are taught the specific skills of language acquisition: listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as grammatical concepts and vocabulary in a weekly dedicated lesson with a specialist teacher.

Our Core Foreign Language

‘Incidental’ language

School payments via ParentPay

To set up a ParentPay alert 1. Login 2. Go to Communications 3. Go to Alert Settings 4. Select the type of Alert (low balance and/or new item) and select how you want to receive alerts, email and/ or SMS Text, Email alerts are free of charge.If you opt for SMS text alerts there is a small charge per text.

For all payments, we send a reminder after two weeks. If payment is not made then your daughter may not be able to participate in the activity.

Prep School trips At least one week prior to the trip – payment not received prior to departure will unfortunately mean your daughter will be unable to accompany the trip

ParentPay does not automatically inform parents when we add a payment. Therefore, we highly recommend that parents set up an alert so they can process payments quickly and efficiently.

School Trips, Additional Activities and Residentials Excursions and special visitors are often a highlight of your daughter’s educational journey. These activities will vary depending on the curriculum themes chosen by the girls and teachers. On the next page is a guide to the trips and costs for the 2021-2022 academic year. Please note that costs do vary each year depending on the trips taken, the number of girls in each year group, and other factors. Year 5 and 6 are also offered an optional ski trip, and the cost of this for the (UK-based) 2022 trip was £400.

After school care Weekly Holiday Club When the booking is confirmed

The Royal High School uses an internet payment system for parents called ParentPay. This is completely separate from the school fees which are administered direct from the GDST for Reception upwards. The table below illustrates how the finance team will charge for sundry items during the 2022/23 year.

Residentail trips As set out in letters on Firefly and in three instalments although parents can pay for it all immediately should they wish

Clubs & activities Prior to clubs starting, or within a week of the charges being added to ParentPay

No trips taken TOTAL: £0.00

Camping at Cranwell - £6

Bath City Farm - £5.50 TOTAL: £5.50 Year 1 Year 2

Cadbury World - £25 Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm - £15 TOTAL: £86

Windmill Hill Residential - £440 TOTAL: £478 (without residential £38)

NB all prices are subject inflation increases linked class

Osmington Bay Residential - £409

STEAM museum - £30 Bath@Work Musuem - £5 We the Curious - £21

TOTAL: £470 (without residential £61)

Year 5 Year 6

Farm Residential - £275

Nursery Reception

and are

Bristol Aquarium - £27.00 TOTAL: £27.00

Bristol museum - £22 Sevington Victorian School - £16

Stonehenge - £8

to the size of

Cost of Trips 2021-22

Bristol Aerospace - £14 TOTAL: £53.50 Year 3 Year 4

Longleat - £16.50 Holburne Museum - £12.50

TOTAL: £353 (without residential £78)

French play at Senior School - £5

Hidden Woods - £36 We the Curious - £10.50

Ernest Shakleton online ‘visit’ - £6

Bristol Hippodrome performance - £49

The Royal High School uses an internet payment system for parents called ParentPay. This is completely separate from the school fees which are administered direct from the GDST for Reception upwards. Prep School clubs not run by peripatetic staff incurring a cost must be paid through our ParentPay portal in advance. If payment is not made then your daughter will not be able to participate after school.

Girls attending clubs are usually collected by car at the front of Cranwell House or from the MUGA pitch.

The Royal High School offers peripatetic Speech and Drama teaching from Year 3 through to Sixth Form level. In the Prep School, our work follows an annual pattern. In the Autumn term, girls enter for the London Academy of Music and Drama Art (LAMDA) external examinations. These offer the first steps in a series of examinations, which, for a small number of girls leads through to Grade 8, which is of a standard comparable to A Level. Parents should inform Mrs Palmer if they do not wish their daughter to take these exams. In the Spring term we work towards either the Mid-Somerset Festival or our own in-house festival. Here girls get their first taste of standing up in public and offering their work for feedback. The girls enter for a wide range of solo, duo and group classes. They can often learn a great deal from watching the work of other competitors. Please note that parents are responsible for transport to and from the Mid-Somerset InFestival.theSummer term we enjoy a variety of activities aimed at developing communication skills and confidence. We have fun with drama games and tongue twisters, explore mime and improvisation and enjoy poetry. Although most girls enjoy the challenge offered by a festival and LAMDA, entry is not compulsory – parents can inform Mrs Palmer if they do not want their daughter to take part. Work is undertaken in groups and all girls require some sort of A4 notebook or ring binder with plastic sleeves in which to keep their work so that it does not become misplaced.

Fees: £60 per term (Years 3-6) Accounts for drama tuition will be sent to you directly from Mrs Palmer. A prompt settlement will be greatly appreciated.

Extra curricular activities

Drama Tuition

We offer an extensive range of extra curricular activities which further enrich our exciting curriculum. The lunchtime and after school activities enable the girls to explore new things, discover new interests and further develop their talents and strengths.

Clubs are either run by our own teaching staff (often at no additional cost) or by specialist peripatetic staff (which may incur an additional charge).

Music Tuition We currently offer tuition in the following instruments: piano, violin, flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, cello, harp, guitar, cornet, trumpet, trombone, French horn and voice. The girls can work towards ABRSM examinations if they wish. If your daughter would like a trial lesson, or you would like to discuss instrumental lessons further, please contact Mrs Millard, Head of Performing Arts. Fees: £19.00 per lesson. Accounts for music tuition will be sent to you directly from the teachers concerned. These should be settled with those teachers before the start of each term. Please note that one full term’s notice or fees in lieu are required if your daughter wishes to discontinue lessons. Instrumental lessons happen in school time, including break times. Lessons are rotated so that girls don’t miss the same lesson each week.

Pupils’ own instruments are NOT covered by school insurance. If your daughter has a valuable instrument that she brings to school please make sure that it is covered by your own insurance.

Dance Tuition Mrs Bazley runs additional dance classes as part of our after school clubs programme. These are run in year groups with some year groups mixed. She would then start in the first class and progress up to her age group as quickly as possible. The fees are £36.00 per term, paid via ParentPay.

If there is an emergency or no opportunity to book in advance then do please feel free to bring your daughter to the club without prior booking.

‘Early Birds’ breakfast club is available during term time at a charge or £4.50 per session to cover food and supervision costs. This charge will be added to your ParentPay account. Breakfast, which includes cereal, toast and a drink, will be served from 7.30-7.45am in Hope Hall and supervision with a member of staff will be provided until 8.30am. Please note that girls attending the breakfast club will need to access the school via the pedestrian gate or upper driveway gate. To secure your daughter’s place please book the required sessions with Ms Rejiester by Friday for the subsequent week’s breakfasts (01225 422931 or d.rejiester@rhsb.gdst.net).

After School Care (ASC) Operates daily from 4.05 – 6.00 pm. This service is offered to all girls in the Prep School. Girls attending After School Care enjoy an activity filled session in a safe, secure environment. Girls in Years 3-6 will undertake a Prep session for first 45 minutes, supervised by a member of the teaching staff in a quiet classroom setting. Girls can attend ASC before or after an extra-curricular activity. All girls attending are served sandwiches/ wraps or pitta, fruit/crudites and a drink of water. This is included in the cost of the session. Please note that the snack served is NOT a replacement for their evening meal. Fees charged on ParentPay Up to 30 minutes of ASC £5.50 Up to 90 minutes of ASC £10.00 Up to 115 minutes of ASC £13.00

Breakfast Club

For late collection after 6pm there is an additional charge of £10.50 for every 15 Afterminutes.School Care must be booked in advance, giving at least 24 hours’ notice for ad hoc bookings. Regular bookings should be made via Firefly (a form will be sent) and ad hoc bookings can be made by phone (01225 422931) or by email (d.rejiester@rhsb.gdst.net). ASC is billed weekly. We use an internet payment system for parents called ParentPay. This is completely separate from the school fees which are administered direct from the GDST for Reception upwards. All Prep School ASC fees must be paid through our ParentPay portal as soon as is practical after the charges are added. If payment is not made then your daughter will not be able to eligible for the future ASC sessions. The After School Care mobile number is 07873 338381. The direct number for the Nursery classroom is 01225 731045 After 6.00 pm any girls still to be collected are taken to Cranwell House to wait and the direct line there is 01225 789779.

Wrap-around care

Holiday Workshops during school closure times for Nursery-Year 6

These run during the holiday periods for RHSB pupils and the wider community, aged 3 – 11 years (Year 6 maximum age), from 8.30am – 5.30pm, Monday – Friday. Holiday Club Staff arrange and lead a busy and fun-filled programme of activities and outings to keep all the children engaged and happy. The variety of activities might include cookery, craft, gym, races and campfire songs and stories. Pupils do not need to wear uniform and will need to bring along healthy snacks and a lunch. Booking is essential, and must be done through the online booking system. There is no minimum booking requirement. Computershare, Edenred, Sodexho, Care-4, Kiddivoucher, Fideliti and Gemelli vouchers are accepted as payment for the Holiday Workshops. For late collection after 4.30pm there is an additional charge of £10.50 for every 15 minutes. The Royal High School uses an internet payment system for parents called ParentPay. This is completely separate from the school fees which are administered direct from the GDST for girls in Reception upwards. All Prep School Holiday Club fees must be paid through our ParentPay portal directly at the time of booking. If payment is not made then your daughter will not be able to eligible for the future holiday club sessions. Holiday Workshops can be contacted during the sessions on 07824 150569.

Sesame

tubes and bread sticks only)

In line with our Eco-Warriors pledge to cut down on use of single use plastic, we would also like to encourage parents to consider using reusable containers and buying items in bulk and dividing where possible. Green Snacks Good to eat of

Dairylea dunkers (Jumbo

seedssunflower

As a school we are proud to be advocates of the Director of Public Health Award, showing that we are committed to healthy eating and active play. Our aim is to educate our pupils to make sensible choices in terms of snacks at a young age alongside eating a balanced, nutritious diet. We actively discourage the sharing of snacks.

Popcorn (Skinny Metcalfs) Unsalted

and rice puffs

every day

no added sugar

rice cakes

Vegetable sticks Unsalted with Homemade flapjacks,

such as carrot, celery,peppercucumber,

make own)

Kitchen sweetcorn and carrot melty sticks

Little Ones Ella’s

cereal

fruit bars

fruit

Natural Yoghurt Chunks ofstringscheese/cheese

scones or pizza

Pumpkin and

pots

range at Sainsbury’s

lower fat cream cheese and cucumber

corncakes or oatcakes

fruit

Please note that the school has a NO NUT and policy as several girls have serious allergies. These guidelines are based on sugar, salt and fat content and written in consultation with class representatives. Given the greater variety of healthy snacks now available to purchase, we have created a traffic light system to assist parents. It is not an inclusive list; Mrs Fernandez will happily work with your daughter if she is unsure which area her snack would be allocated to!

Bread sticks Kidilicious

a small savoury wholemeal sandwich

Keeping healthy Guidelines for School snacks

Pitta or Hartley’s jelly (or Soreen

in place)

products

Handful of low sugar

the week

Houmous (unless Policy Seaweed Chunks of large

Olives Coconut Pieces of fruit/dried

Water biscuits

Special Occasions

The girls may bring in individual cakes to share with other class members for special occasions. In Nursery and Reception these will be sent home with the girls at the end of the day. For all other year groups the girls will be able to share these during the school day, or they will be sent home. Please ensure you are aware of food allergies in the class before these are sent in.

Please note The school’s healthy snack policy covers the duration of the school opening times i.e. 8.00am – 6.00pm.

e.g Birthdays

If your child becomes ill during the school day and needs to be collected we will try to contact you. We will also contact the school nurse for further advice if necessary.

Medical matters

If your daughter has a chronic health problem, suffers from a prolonged illness or has to be admitted to hospital, it is helpful if you let us know. We can then offer her appropriate support during school. All girls with chronic health problems will have a health care plan [HCP] discussed with the parent, signed by them and available for staff in case of an emergency. These are updated annually or sooner if there are any changes to your daughter’s medical needs or care.

The Medical Centre at the Senior School is run by Sister Rebecca Purchase and Sister Liz Hawkes; they provide continuous nursing care during the school day. Sister Purchase visits the Prep School on a weekly basis and is, of course, available to deal with any emergencies. We are also supported by the school doctor, Dr Rees, who is a local GP. There are qualified first aiders at the Prep School: Mrs Fernandez, Mrs Simon and 11 staff are trained in Paediatric First Aid. Other members of staff have completed a basic first aid course. If there are any major problems, Sister Purchase will be contacted.

If we are unable to reach you girls are able to lie down in our First Aid room. When you come to collect your daughter, please sign her out. If your daughter has any symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhoea we would like her to go home for appropriate care as soon as possible.

If your daughter has been ill with vomiting and/or diarrhoea, please do keep her off school for 48 hours after the last episode of symptons. This is to prevent the illness spreading though school. Thank you for your cooperation.

The Medical Centre Team

We hope that your daughter will be fit and healthy during her time at School, but nevertheless, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce ourselves and tell you a little about the work of the Medical Team.

If you have any general health concerns about your daughter, your GP is the person most able to provide appropriate advice. However, if you have any anxieties about your daughter’s health that may affect her while she is at school, we would be happy to discuss them with you and provide any necessary help and support.

Illness in School

• Arrangements for collection of the medicine at the end of the day must be clearly stated.

• All emergency medication, i.e. adrenaline pens and asthma inhalers, must be clearly labelled and a spare inhaler brought into school for PE. Please hand these in to Ms Rejiester, or your daughter’s form teacher. Without written instructions from parents we are not in a position to administer any medication.

We offer all new girls a school health check which is carried out by the School Nurses. It comprises a short examination of height, weight, and a basic eye check and is a good way for the School Nurse to introduce herself to your daughter. We will notify you before these health checks, which take place in school. Your written consent will be sought via the Pupil Health Assessment form which you complete before your daughter starts at the Royal High School. We hope to be able to offer hearing tests again in 2023 as these were suspended during the pandemic. These are usually

If it is necessary for your daughter to bring any medication to school, please note the following procedures:

• 01225 731007 (Medical Centre)

• Please do not send in non-prescription medication – we will only accept prescribed medicines.

offered in the Summer term at a minimal charge. More details will follow when this has been confirmed. School Counsellor Prep School girls are entitled to visit the school counsellor with parental permission if appropriate. Referral is via Miss Joakim (Deputy Head, Pastoral). This service will be based at both sites.

Health Checks

Sister Rebecca Purchase

• Medicine is to be given to Ms Rejiester or another member of staff personally.

“In accordance with the school doctor’s and nurse’s professional obligations, medical information about pupils, regardless of their age, will remain confidential. However, in providing medical and nursing care for a pupil, it is recognised that on occasions the doctor and nurse may liaise with the head teacher and other academic staff, house staff and parents or guardians, and that information, ideally with the pupil’s prior consent, will be passed on as necessary. With all medical and nursing matters, the doctor and nurse will respect a pupil’s confidence except on the very rare occasions when, having failed to persuade that pupil, or her authorised representative, to give consent to divulgence, the doctor or nurse considers that it is in the pupil’s better interests or necessary for the protection of the wider school community, to breach confidence and pass information to a relevant person or body.”

• Written confirmation of the dose and time is essential.

• 07880 359427 (Sister Hawkes)Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

• 07810 697369 (Sister Purchase)Monday to Friday lunchtime

• Medicine must be sent in the original container (not re-packaged or relabelled) including the prescriber’s instructions for administration.

Medicines

If you need any further information please contact the Medical Centre staff on the following numbers:

Responsible use of the internet and e-mail in the Prep School. As part of the development of pupils’ independent learning/research skills and general curricular enhancement, we encourage responsible use of ICT, and provide filtered Internet access as well as simulated and viable e-mail accounts to pupils. In Year 1 and 2 an acceptable use document is shared with the pupils and the teacher will display a copy of this in class. In Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 and Year 4 the pupils go through the GDST acceptable use document and the pupils sign this document. A copy is also displayed in class. You will be only too aware of some of the potential dangers of Internet use both to individuals, given the many sources of information and types of websites, and to organisations, in that viruses can be introduced quite easily onto a network without proper controls. All pupils are therefore taught the value of responsible actions, and to assess the authenticity of information. In addition, the teachers regularly discuss with pupils how the internet and e-mail should be used, what projects/tasks they are working on, encouraging them to be critical of the information they find and if on the rare occasion it might be unsuitable, to report it. This approach extends to pupil use of iPads and apps. Terms and conditions of apps used by pupils are examined and deemed suitable for use in a Prep School setting. Pupils are taught how to use devices responsibly and to report an incidents as they would with any internet abled device. Details of apps being used by pupils are available to parents through Firefly. Prior to starting Senior School and in readiness for pupils having personal devices teachers discuss social media and age restrictions as part of internet safety education. We encourage parents to take an active interest in their child’s engagement with internet abled devices. Any incidents of inappropriate use of technology in school is taken very seriously. To avoid pupils encountering inappropriate sites, the GDST operates a filtering service which dynamically blocks “restricted” content and use of chat rooms/newsgroups and web-based e-mail. The GDST also operate a filtering service on e-mail usage that blocks any messages containing inappropriate language or executable files. Internet access logs and e-mail content may be examined, if it is strongly suspected that the Code of Conduct has been breached. These strategies cannot be made failsafe, however. At the Prep School the staff give the pupils strict guidelines in the use of the Internet and e-mail (simulated and real) accounts. It is important that the girls understand and act responsibly and sensibly in accordance with the school rules/ICT Code of Conduct. Any deliberate or active abuse of the internet or e-mail, for example, through the posting of defamatory material on the former, or harassment of others through the latter, will not be tolerated and will lead to disciplinary action. Though it is extremely unlikely and has never happened at the Royal High School, it has to be pointed out that, in the most serious cases, this could result in expulsion from school and there is the possibility that any activities amounting to a criminal offence could be reported to the police.

Staying safe online

• All years (Reception – Year 6 inclusive) should have proper sports trainers all year round. Boot-style trainers, or trainers with flashing lights are not suitable.

• All uniform, including all footwear and under clothes such as vests, should be clearly named.

• School uniform must be worn by all girls coming to and from school, unless otherwise instructed, for example on mufti days or on some school outings.

General Guidelines

• Ankle boots, ballerina-type or slip-on shoes should not be worn.

• Jewellery must not be worn in school, with the exception of a sensible analogue watch.

• In the winter the regulation school coat must be worn.

A school uniform gives us a sense of belonging. Here are some guidelines to help us wear our uniform with pride.

• In summer, shoes need not be so heavy, but heels and toes must be covered, no peep toes or sling backs. This is in accordance with medical advice.

• Pierced ears are not recommended. Girls who already have pierced ears must wear the smallest gold stud possible which should be removed during PE lessons. Any ear piercings should be done at the beginning of the summer holidays as earrings must be taken out for PE lessons.

School uniform

Such extreme cases are very unlikely, although not unheard of, and it is important in the current climate to ensure safe use of ICT for both pupils and staff, whilst not diminishing pupils’ excitement or proficiency in this area. Whilst the main thrust of the Code relates to computer use, the same disciplines apply to the use of mobile phones, particularly those which have access to the internet. Firefly also contains some good links to assist parents and pupils in understanding the risks.

Shoes and Trainers

• Should be black or navy (leather look), lace up or strap with non-slip soles. Heels should be no more than 20mm.

• Year 3 – 6 – Haslam and Hall KS2

• A pair of scissors suitable for cutting paper and card (left-handed if necessary)

• A school book bag

• Year 3 and 4 – Collins Primary Dictionary, to be kept at home

• Hair longer than a bob must be tied back at all times.

Year 5 and 6 pupils only

• A mathematical set including a clear, solid, non-colour protractor (half sized semi-circular), compass and ruler

• Years 4 – 6 require a simple calculator

Study Books in Maths, English and Science (optional)

• A named water bottle

• All girls from Reception to Year 6 inclusive must have summer uniform.

• Year 2 may also bring a water bottle and plain analogue watch Junior Pupil Equipment List (Year 3, 4, 5 and 6)

Summer Dress

• Navy or black hair accessories are acceptable or school fabric scrunchies and hair bands for winter and summer.

If your daughter needs to bring money to school it should be in a named, sealed envelope or a named purse and given to the class teacher for safe keeping.

Money in School

Hair

• All Year 3-6 pupils require a fountain pen with a medium nib and spare blue ink cartridges or a good quality blue rollerball pen.

• Infants may also have a Junior girls’ backpack, if easier, but this is not compulsory until Year 3 and is not recommended until Year 2 at the earliest

• Girls in the Nursery can wear the summer dress from after Easter until October half term, but they are not required to have it.

• A glue stick (with replacements as necessary)

Infant Pupil Equipment List

(Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

• Year 5 and 6 – Collins Pocket Thesaurus and Dictionary, to be kept at home

• A plain analogue watch (no Fitbits, Apple Watches or other ‘smart’ watches)

• A pencil case containing writing pencils, coloured pencils, highlighter pens, rubber, sharpener, 30cm ruler (rigid, not hinged)

• Summer uniform can be worn throughout the Summer term, or earlier in the year if it is warm, and for the first half of the Autumn term.

Hair grips and slides can be blue, black, gold, silver or brown. Alice bands should be the school fabric or navy.

However

A new style uniform is being introduced this summer and will be available to order online form our uniform suppliers ‘School Blazer.’ Items ordered will be delivered to your home in time for the beginning of the new school year.

If you would like to purchase any items during the summer holidays, please email Vicki Emery who will arrange an appointment time to see you

Mrs Emery’s Emporium

New Style Uniform

All “existing style” or “old style” uniform is available through Mrs Emery’s Emporium.

• Any girls who repeatedly fail to hand in their phones/electronic equipment may forfeit this privilege.

• Girls bring them into school at their own risk;

• All phones/electrical equipment should be labelled with their owner’s name for security;

Old Style Uniform

• The school takes no responsibility for their security;

• They are to be switched off and kept with an adult at all times during the school day;

It is accepted that some parents allow their daughters to bring phones to school. We accept that mobile phones are used as a security measure on their journeys to and from school.

The Emporium is situated at the Senior School and is run by Mrs Vicki Emery (v.emery@rhsb.gdst.net).

37 Mobile phones / electronic equipment

This is currently being sold at significantly reduced prices, and both new and second hand items are available (depending on stock). The existing uniform can be worn until September 2024, when all pupils will be required to wear the “new style” items.

During term time items can be ordered by emailing Vicki and items will be delivered to your daughter in the Prep to bring home. Alternatively, an appointment can be made at a mutually convenient time.

The Friends of the Royal High School is a lively group of parents, staff and the Head Teachers from both the Prep and Senior School with two key aims: to raise funds for extra-curricular ‘icing on the cake’ opportunities for the girls and build a friendly and inclusive school community. We do this by organising fun and engaging social events and meet twice per term to enjoy a stimulating evening of discussion and decision-making.

Class representatives

Friends have been delighted to fund for RHS girls in the recent past are: an outside theatre for the Prep School, funding to turn four English classrooms into genre-themed classrooms at the Senior School, a pizza oven, fireworks for the Y13 ball, numerous “Your Daughter” talks, a West End masterclass, the installation of a freshwater pond at the Prep School, floodlights for the Cyclorama at the Senior School plus an annual legacy amount divided between the boarders, Senior and Prep girls. All ideas and requests are encouraged and considered from all departments and individuals within the school community. Our meetings provide an insight into the exciting opportunities that may be in the pipeline for our daughters.

Parental involvement

Our Curry & Quiz nights have proved immensely popular, as do our Prep School discos and bi-annual Friends’ Ball for parents. We ensure that these events are top-quality, fun, well organised and always with a well-stocked bar!

The Friends is an inclusive group who are always keen to enlist support from new

Helping in school

If you are interested in helping in school please do let your class teachers know as we are happy for parents to visit, read stories and help with special days. Any parent assisting on a regular basis will be required to undergo a full vetting process including a DBS disclosure. Miss Joakim also runs a group of parents who listen to girls read in Reception – Year 2 classrooms.

Friends of RHS

An example of some of the ‘extras’ the

Each class in the Prep School has one or two class representatives. Their role is to help welcome new families to the school, organise year group social activities outside of school and to bring any concerns, queries or requests to the termly class rep meetings with the Heads. These are voluntary roles and a great way to be involved with your daughter’s education.

The social events calendar is always busy including our annual Christmas Bazaar, Easter Egg Hunt and Summer Festival, all accompanied by tasty home-made treats and plenty of fun and socialising for all members of the family.

39 members, no matter how occasional. We often break off into sub-committees in order to focus on particular events or projects enabling individuals to make bitesized contributions that can be fitted into busy lives.

We know that in the normal course of events you expect your daughter to be in school from when she arrives until the normal end of the school day. However, there are times, particularly during the winter, when we consider it desirable to allow the girls to leave early. These are very infrequent and are usually because of weather conditions or other transport difficulties. There are occasions when it is not possible to give prior notice to parents. On the very rare occasions when there is an exceptionally heavy fall of snow during the night, the roads in Bath can become very dangerous and the girls have to face the hazard not only of reaching school in the morning but returning home safely in the evening. If this happens, you will be advised of any severe road conditions around the school by means of our website, www.royalhighbath.gdst.net

• Monday 12 September - AGM

Please also ckeep up to date by following us on Twitter @RoyalHighPrep or RoyalHighBath.

During 2022-23 the Friends will meet in the Rebecca Barrell Room at the Senior School site on Lansdown Road or, ocassionally, in the Discover Room at the Prep School, at 7pm. The Autumn term dates are.

• Monday 7 November All are welcome, please email friends@ rhsb.gdst.net if you would like to attend.

Severe weather action plan

As well as a being very lively and productive group, the Friends also provides an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with the Royal High School Bath, its friendly people and wider Wecommunity.wouldalso like to point parents in the direction of www.easyfundraising.org.uk, a free service that allows you to shop directly at your favourite online stores via links on their website, and, at the same time, raise a donation for the school without costing you a penny more. Visit the website and search for ‘Friends of The Royal High School Bath’ to find out more! You can also support the Friends by donating via their dedicated JustGiving page: com/friendsofrhsb.https//www.justgiving.

Girlstheirmakingmark Royal High Prep School Cranwell House, Weston Park East, Bath BA1 2UZ 01225 422931 royalhigh@rhsb.gdst.netroyalhighbath.gdst.net@royalhighbath